WELCOME

Reflecting on the 2013–14 academic year—my first as President of Southwestern University—I am genuinely moved by the enormity of effort put forth by the entire Southwestern community in the shared desire to engage minds and transform lives. That collective creativity and diversity of talent have fostered our Paideia moments in which we, with great intent, discover deep and life-changing connections in the unique way for which our University has become well known. Our shared commitment to educating the whole person for life also helped feed a renewed pride in Southwestern. For me, I am profoundly proud to be a Pirate.

It has been a year of many firsts, including the following and many more outlined throughout this report:

The first time all graduating seniors were invited to dinner at Turner-Fleming House with the President and members of the faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

While the firsts are exciting, I’m most proud that we continued to take an active role in positively influencing our community and the world, and delighted that we continue to be recognized for those efforts. You will see many examples of how we’re making a difference as you scroll through this comprehensive report on the past year.

Looking forward, as we move into our terquasquicentennial anniversary (look it up!), I hope the entire Southwestern community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends—will, in unprecedented ways, commit to working together to further distinguish our beloved University as one of the finest institutions of higher education in the country; one that offers a truly differentiated undergraduate experience that genuinely changes and enriches lives. To realize this attainable but lofty goal, I need your help—your engagement—as together we create new ways of engaging minds and transforming lives. Thank you for all you do to support Southwestern and the mission we hold so dear.

With all good wishes,

Edward Burger

35

CITIES VISITED

225

EVENTS ATTENDED

377

STUDENTS HOSTED FOR DINNER
AT TURNER-FLEMING HOUSE

62

MEALS IN COMMONS

ENGAGEMENT

In his inaugural invitation, President Burger challenged everyone to solve a mathematical puzzle. In his inaugural address, he explained that the puzzle’s solution is 365—the number of days in a year, and encouraged alumni to consider what Southwestern means to them. “How has Southwestern changed and influenced you in your daily life? How are you engineering your own Paideia moments to connect with Southwestern every day of every year?,” he asked. In the past year, many alumni have expressed their answers to those questions through their involvement and engagement with the University community.

726

ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

2503

ALUMNI GIFTS MADE

80

ALUMNI & PARENTS
EVENTS HOSTED

8507

ALUMNI & PARENTS
ATTENDED EVENTS

ACADEMICS

Now central to the curriculum, Paideia is intentional, integrative and interdisciplinary. In 2013–14, first-year students chose from three available themes to follow through their Southwestern career, and worked with faculty to make connections across classes, departments and programs.

In spring 2014, Southwestern launched “Paideia Connections,” a lecture series that features two Southwestern faculty members each delivering a 20-minute address for a general audience about their recent scholarly work, followed by a time for the audience to share connections they discovered while actively listening to the presentations.

Career Services

2014 GRADUATES WHO PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST ONE INTERNSHIP

66%

INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS WHO ENGAGED WITH CAREER SERVICES

73%

1628

STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED
CAREER SERVICES EVENTS

175

BAGS OF POPCORN SERVED
DURING “POP IN FOR POPCORN”

ATHLETICS

Southwestern’s 20 varsity teams participate in the NCAA Division III as members of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. According to the NCAA, “Academics are the primary focus for Division III student-athletes. The Division III experience provides for passionate participation in a competitive athletic environment in which student-athletes push themselves to excellence and build upon their academic success with new challenges and life skills.”

Inaugural Seasons

ALUMNI

The Association of Southwestern University Alumni observed its 10-year anniversary, continuing the lifelong Southwestern Experience for more than 15,000 alumni. To celebrate, The Association welcomed members to a record-breaking Homecoming and Reunion Weekend (1860 attendees) and launched its new website.

Alumni Association

15187

ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

13

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

66

ASSOCIATION EVENTS HOSTED

Where are our alumni?

78% IN TEXAS

21%OUT-OF-STATE

1%OUTSIDE THE U.S.

Distinguished Alumni

Every year during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, The Association of Southwestern University Alumni honors members of the Southwestern community who exemplify the core values of the University and the mission of The Association. In 2013, The Association recognized seven alumni and one faculty member.Read More

GIVING

During the 2013-14 academic year, Southwestern exceeded the Thinking Ahead Campaign goal; broke ground on the new Science Center; established a Parent Leadership Gift Council — held several gift “challenges” — including a parent challenge which raised more than $70,000 from 292 parents — received gifts from 2,503 alumni.

CLASS OF 2014 PARTICIPATION

Giving Challenges

VISIBILITY

Outdoor Advertising

9,732,216

BILLBOARD IMPRESSIONS

Thanks to generous donors, Southwestern was able to increase its visibility through outdoor ads on both the northbound and southbound sides of Texas’ well-traveled I-35. In fall 2013, gifts from three alumni households made possible billboards promoting the return of football to Southwestern. In spring 2014, a gift from the WD Kelley Foundation made possible the Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives billboards.